BS 5837 Tree Survey And Landscape Plan

Purpose: 

• The purpose of a BS 5837 Tree Survey is to identify, map, and evaluate the condition, quality, and longevity of trees on and adjacent to a development site. 

Outputs:

• A Tree Constraints Plan (TCP), which maps the trees, crown spreads, and their Root Protection Areas (RPAs).
• A Tree Schedule that categorises each tree (A, B, C, or U) based on its quality and potential to remain on the site. A, B, and C trees are worth keeping (with A being the highest value), and U trees are unsuitable for retention.

Key Information: 

• A BS 5837 Tree Survey provides the fundamental information on existing trees that informs the next stage of the planning and design process, the AIA.

Purpose: 

• The purpose of an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is to assess the impact of the proposed development on the trees identified in the BS 5837 survey.

Outputs:

• An explanation of which trees are to be removed, retained, or pruned.
• An analysis of potential effects on tree root systems and crown spread.
• A summary of tree removal and pruning works.

Key Information: 

• An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) bridges the gap between the existing trees and the proposed development by identifying conflicts and proposing solutions, such as tree protection measures.

Purpose: 

• The purpose of a Landscape Plan is to detail the proposed landscaping for the development, including the design of hard and soft features, and to integrate retained trees into the overall site plan. 

Outputs: 

• A detailed drawing showing:
  1. The final design for the site, including buildings and other features. 
  2. The location of existing trees that are to be retained. 
  3. Proposed new planting (trees, shrubs, and other plants). 

Key Information: 

• A Landscape plan visualises how the retained trees, new planting, and built environment will interact to create the final landscape.

• The BS 5837 Tree Survey provides the baseline data on the existing trees. 
• Tree consultants use the tree survey data to create the Tree Constraints Plan, which shows the RPAs and other tree limitations that influence the initial site layout and building design. 
• The Arboricultural Impact Assessment then evaluates how the proposed development, as informed by the TCP, will impact the trees. 
• The findings from the Arboricultural Impact Assessment, including which trees will be removed or protected, are then incorporated into the Landscape Plan. 
• The Landscape Plan presents the final design, showing how retained trees will be integrated with new plantings and other features, ensuring the protection of trees throughout the entire development process.